uncouth

[ uhn-kooth ]

adjective

1. awkward, clumsy, or unmannerly:

   uncouth behavior; an uncouth relative who embarrasses the family.

   Synonyms: uncivil, rude, discourteous

   Antonyms: courteous

2. strange and ungraceful in appearance or form.
3. unusual or strange.

   Synonyms: unfamiliar, odd

uncouth

/ ʌnˈkuːθ /

adjective

1. lacking in good manners, refinement, or grace

Derived Forms

• unˈcouthness, noun
• unˈcouthly, adverb

Other Word Forms

• un·couthly adverb
• un·couthness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncouth¹

before 900; Middle English; Old English uncūth ( un- ¹, couth ² ); cognate with Dutch onkond

Word History and Origins

Origin of uncouth¹

Old English uncūth, from un- ¹+ cūth familiar; related to Old High German kund known, Old Norse kunnr

Synonym Study

See boorish.

Example Sentences

George Steffes, who served as Reagan’s legislative director in Sacramento, allowed as how the loudly and proudly uncouth Trump was “180 degrees” from the politely mannered Reagan.

From Los Angeles Times

These days, “‘Housewives’ trip” is synonymous with the most outlandish, uncouth, highly compelling television that the reality genre has to offer.

From Salon

It was classic Alatorre: uncompromising, uncouth and unapologetic in the name of exerting his influence to better Latinos.

From Los Angeles Times

They say it is "blokey", "lowbrow" and fuels the stereotype that Australians are bogans - local slang for an uncouth person of low social status.

From BBC

Lincoln in 1860, as he entered the forge with its licking flames, was an ungainly, uncouth, mocked and widely hated man.

From Washington Post